Tow-truck wars

The muddy underbelly of the tow-truck industry has become even murkier by the death of 45-year-old Linley Spencer Summers.

On the afternoon of 15 June, Summers was stabbed and pronounced dead soon after.

The accused, Chris Olieslager (40), maintains his innocence and on 28 August it will be up to the prosecutors to prove that he was the one who stabbed Summers.

In the meantime, Maitland police are requesting assistance from the public to come forward with eyewitness accounts.

W/O Siyabulela Vukubi, spokesperson for the local police, elaborates on the incident: “It is alleged that a container truck and an unknown car were involved in an accident whereby three tow trucks showed up to attend to that particular accident. An argument ensued between the tow truck drivers, after which one allegedly stabbed the other. The victim died later in hospital.”

However, Summers’ brother has also made allegations attacking Olieslager’s character and work ethics.

Threats

Olieslager was contacted by TygerBurger to respond to these, but he couldn’t comment under the advice of his legal representation.

He did admit that he is “dying” to comment, because there is “a whole lot that needs to be exposed”.

Summers’ brother, Lance, says that Olieslager threatened his brother’s life the night before the alleged attack.

Another tow-truck operator who wishes to remain anonymous says that the suspicion exists in the industry that the accident was a set-up.

Hearsay, suspicions and accusations are all that TygerBurger has to go on at this stage.

The police, the legal teams and this newspaper are looking for proof.

What is certain is that both the tow-truck companies Summers and Olieslager work for arrived at an accident scene at the Koeberg interchange in Maitland on 15 June.

Summers was there with his child and it is alleged that Olieslager stabbed him after an altercation.

According to Lance, Summers’ son was in the car when he heard an argument break out between his dad and Olieslager.

The child did not see his father get stabbed, but when he heard that someone was injured he allegedly saw Olieslager walk away from the scene and put a knife back into his pocket.

Lance continues: “I had a conversation with the accused the night before. He told me that my brother put out a contract on his life of R200 000. This was later denied to me by the person who was apparently funding this hit. That night the accused threatened to kill my brother.”

Olieslager and an accomplice then handed themselves over to the police. After Olieslager appeared in court he was given bail of R2 000. The next court date is 30 August.

Lance is not certain if the death of his brother is connected to a territory battle between the tow-truck operators.

He concludes: “In 1998 there were 35 tow-truck companies operating in the CBD. Now there is only one – Urban Towing. I’m convinced that Olieslager has contacts in high places.”

The operator who wishes to stay anonymous says that the tow-truck industry is cut-throat. The person adds: “It is vital for the public to be educated. If they are in accident they must insist on signing a document with the price of towing on. They must remember that there is a limit some insurance companies will pay. I know of operators who will charge up to R7 000 to tow a vehicle. The towing industry does not have a good reputation. It’s very sad.”

Summers is survived by his wife Karen and children Chandré, Joshua and Zara.

His family placed an advertisement which reads: “A smile for all, a heart of gold. One of the best the world could hold. Never selfish, always kind, what a beautiful memory you left behind. One last hug daddy from Zara. We love and miss you.”

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